Applications for the Diversify the Future Scholarship 2023/24 are now closed.
Diversify the Future Scholarship Fund
We're steadfast in our commitment to inspire, educate and empower individuals passionate about pursuing a STEM career. Our mission at Diversify the Future is to remove the barriers faced by under-represented students in STEM and empower young people with the confidence to rise, advance and excel in STEM careers.
We connect people from under-represented backgrounds to access education opportunities in STEM through our scholarship funding.
Scholarship details
Diversify the Future Scholarship Fund will award successful students with up to $10,000 per year for a bachelor's degree program for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
The award will be paid directly to the recipient's university or college and may cover tuition and housing fees.
The scholarship will be awarded each year of the recipient's program, subject to meeting the university or college's minimum GPA requirement.
Eligibility requirements:
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High school seniors applying to bachelor’s degree program for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), enrolling in Fall 2024.
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A member of an under-represented group (including but not limited to underrepresented racial or ethnic populations, women, low income, individuals with disabilities, etc).
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Applicants must currently reside in the Greater Chicagoland area but may apply to any U.S university or college.
Application Process:
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Students must complete an application form and submit EITHER a written personal essay, OR a video essay in response to the following statement:
The purpose of the Diversify the Future Foundation is to provide Chicagoland residents from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds to access STEM-specific college scholarships. Why you believe you deserve this scholarship over other applicants?
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Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024
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Selected applicants will move forward to Interview with the Diversify the Future Board and will be notified following the deadline
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The successful applicant will be notified in Summer with distribution of the award upon enrollment in the Fall
For any queries or issues please contact info@diversifythefuture.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
Ready to apply?
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
Applications for High School Seniors graduating in 2025 will open in September 2024.
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Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?High school seniors applying to a full-time bachelor’s degree program for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), enrolling in Fall 2024. A member of an under-represented group (including but not limited to underrepresented racial or ethnic populations, women, low income, individuals with disabilities, etc). Applicants must currently reside in the Greater Chicagoland area but may apply to any U.S university or college.
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What are the application requirements?Students must complete the application form and submit EITHER a written personal essay OR video essay in response to the following statement: The purpose of the Diversify the Future Foundation is to provide Chicagoland residents from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds to access STEM-specific college scholarships. Why you believe you deserve this scholarship over other applicants? Transcripts will be required upon request for selected applicants.
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How do I submit my application?You can submit your application through the Scholarship Application Form.
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Is there an application fee?There is no fee to apply for the scholarship.
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When is the application deadline?Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024
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How are scholarship recipients selected?At Diversify the Future, our scholarship selection process is comprehensive and considers both merit and the unique needs of underrepresented individuals in STEM. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the pursuit of STEM careers, and our selection criteria reflect this commitment. Recipients are chosen based on merit and a genuine passion for their chosen field of study in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). The selection committee reviews applicants' achievements, extracurricular activities, and future aspirations to identify those who show promise as future contributors to their respective STEM disciplines. At Diversify the Future Foundation, we recognize the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in access to STEM education and careers. As such priority will be given to applicants who face economic and/or social barriers challenges to STEM education. This includes individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic populations, women, those with disabilities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
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How will the scholarship funds be disbursed?The award will be disbursed in Fall 2024 upon enrollment into the recipient's selected STEM program. The award will be paid directly to the recipient's university or college and may cover tuition and housing fees.
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Can I apply if I'm already receiving financial aid?If you are already receiving financial aid, you are still eligible to apply for the Diversify the Future Scholarship. We recognize the unique financial challenges that many students face. Receiving financial aid will not disqualify students from consideration. Our selection process takes into account various factors, including both merit and financial need. If you are selected as a potential recipient, the Diversify the Future Board may request additional information about your financial aid package. This information will help us assess the overall financial landscape and ensure that our scholarship is allocated where it can make the most significant impact.
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Are part-time students eligible for the scholarship?Students must be enrolling on a full time program to be eligible for the award.
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How will I be notified if I am selected as a scholarship recipient?Selected applicants will be invited to interview in Summer following the application deadline, and will be contacted through the details provided on the application form. The successful recipient will then be notified following the interview stage.
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Can I apply if I haven't been accepted to a specific college or university yet?Yes, you can apply to the scholarship if you have not yet been accepted to a specific program, providing you have applied to, and are intending to enroll on a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) program in 2024. Scholarships will only be disbursed upon enrollment onto a program which meets this criteria.
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Is there a minimum GPA requirement?No minimum GPA is required to apply. However, if a student drops below the school's minimum GPA for a scholastic term and/or is showing no progress in classes, the committee will reassess the student's eligibility to continue to receive funding for the next term (special circumstances will be taken into account).